4 Things No One Tells You About Working at a Hotel Front Desk
August 3, 2018 | Career Blog
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16.3 million people were employed in hospitality positions as of June 2018. This amount has been steadily growing each year.
Working at a hotel front desk is a position in this industry that seems to always be in high demand, mostly because of the hours. Hotels need people at the front desk at all times of day, including the early hours of the morning. If you do not mind working early and going to bed early, this could be a good position for you.
There’s More to Hotel Desks Than Hours Outside 9-5
To give you an idea of some things you probably are not aware of when it comes to this job, we have compiled a list of four things no one tells you about working at a hotel front desk.
1. There Is A Lot Of Opportunity For Advancement
Because of the wide variety of work that needs to get done at a hotel, there are a great many positions and responsibility levels. People automatically assume that they won’t be able to work in a management position without any prior experience, but even a short stint at the front desk can show you have the ability to speak to people and problem solve. Therefore, those who work at a hotel front desk successfully for an appropriate amount of time are often promoted up the ranks.
2. It’s Incredibly Satisfying to Welcome People to a Time of Leisure
Sure, there are a lot of stories out there about the difficult customers that hospitality workers encounter. What people tend not to pass long is the gratification you get from the positive experiences. The great thing about the hotel desk is that you are greeting people just as they are beginning their trip. They turn to you with their questions and preferences and many are grateful to receive your assistance. With a little commitment, you can be the one to get a person’s vacation started the right way, and you will walk away from the encounter feeling good as well.
3. Many Hotels Offer Fringe Benefits To Employees
Hotels tend to take their employees treatment and benefits seriously. Fringe benefits may include paid vacations and holidays, medical and dental insurance and retirement plans. Some hotels also offer their front desk clerks a free shift meal and most provide high discounts on rooms.
4. Staffing Agencies Can Find You Hotel Front Desk Jobs, Easily!
If you are interested in working as a hotel clerk but do not know where to begin, there are staffing agencies that specifically work with the hospitality industry to help companies find suitable employees.
And you do not have to pay anything! You simply meet with the agency and they will determine the best location for you. They will also help you to prepare for your interview and and to assemble a professional resume.
Some examples of questions that the hiring manager at a hotel will generally ask when hiring for a hotel clerk include:
- What makes you a good fit for a customer service position?
- If you had to help an unhappy customer, how would you handle the situation?
- How would you go about handling a lot of people walking in and needing assistance at one time?
- Why do you want to work at this hotel?
- If we were to ask your previous employer what kind of employee you are, what would they say?
- What would you consider your strengths and weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Wondering If a Hotel Front Desk May Be Your Next Opportunity?
Working in a hotel can be a great option for someone looking for a position that does not necessarily require a lot of job experience. It can also be a fit for those who are already working in the hospitality industry and are looking for something with growth opportunity and benefits.
If you are personable and enjoy bringing happiness to others, this could be a great position for you. For more information on how to get a job working at a hotel front desk, contact us here.l[-0p-0=